Introduction
As boaters prepare to enjoy summer on the waters of Lake Michigan, an essential but often overlooked operation is underway in New Buffalo, Michigan. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched its latest coastal dredging project to ensure safe navigation in and out of New Buffalo Harbor. While the calendar marks the start of beach season, this summer dredging operation highlights the delicate balance between recreation and essential harbor maintenance.
Why Dredging Is Needed
Harbors and navigation channels across the Great Lakes experience natural sediment buildup due to currents, storms, and seasonal runoff. Over time, these deposits reduce channel depth, making it difficult—and at times dangerous—for recreational and commercial vessels to enter or exit harbors.
In New Buffalo, the situation is no different. Sand and silt accumulate rapidly near the harbor mouth, especially following spring runoff and shifting lakebed currents. The result is a shallow, uneven channel that poses risks for boaters. To prevent groundings and to support the local tourism economy, which heavily depends on safe harbor access, the Army Corps regularly performs coastal dredging at the site.
Timing Is Everything: Why Summer Dredging?
Many might wonder why this type of heavy-duty work kicks off just as boaters are launching their vessels for the summer. According to Liz Wilkinson, Operations Manager at the Grand Haven Army Corps of Engineers Office, summer dredging is not only ideal but often the only feasible window due to the weather conditions on Lake Michigan.
“In the fall and early spring, the wind really causes a lot of wave action that prevents dredging,” Wilkinson explained. “Even a 10 or 15 mile-per-hour wind can cause one to one-and-a-half-foot waves, and those waves can overtop the work barge. We really need flat conditions on the lake to dredge effectively, and we only see those in late spring and early summer.”
Despite the irony of beginning such a project at the height of seasonal boating activity, the calm conditions during this period are vital for efficient and safe dredging operations.
Battling Heat and Wind
The current dredging effort is not without its challenges. With temperatures soaring near 90°F and wind gusts reaching up to 30 mph overnight, the conditions are testing the resolve of the dredging crew. The high winds can generate wave heights that exceed the one- to two-foot threshold, temporarily halting operations.
Still, the crew is pressing on. Working 12-hour shifts, they aim to complete the project by the end of the week—just in time for a surge in weekend boating activity. On days when wave conditions are too rough, such as the expected weather for midweek, work will pause until conditions improve.
Safety for Boaters and Swimmers
With active coastal dredging underway, the Army Corps is urging caution for anyone venturing near the harbor. White buoys mark the sediment placement site, while orange buoys signal the submerged pipeline used to transport the dredged material. Boaters and swimmers are strongly advised to avoid these marked areas.
“The equipment and pipelines may not always be visible,” Wilkinson noted. “It’s crucial that people stay clear of the marked zones for their safety and to ensure we can complete the work without interruption.”
Economic and Environmental Importance
Dredging is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of economic necessity and environmental responsibility. New Buffalo is a major recreational harbor on the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan. Its accessibility directly impacts tourism, local business, and marina operations.
A clear channel ensures that boaters—both local and those visiting from out of state—can safely dock, refuel, and enjoy the harbor’s amenities. In turn, this supports restaurants, shops, and service providers that depend on seasonal visitors.
Environmentally, controlled coastal dredging also plays a role in maintaining a balanced shoreline ecosystem. When executed correctly, it reduces the risk of unintended erosion, restores navigable depths, and can even contribute to beach nourishment when clean dredged material is redistributed properly.
Looking Ahead
The Army Corps conducts regular surveys and assessments to monitor sedimentation and determine when dredging is necessary. In New Buffalo, dredging typically occurs every one to two years, depending on lake conditions and funding availability.
This year’s summer dredging project is expected to move over 18,000 cubic yards of sand from the harbor mouth to a designated offshore placement site. Once the current work is complete, it should ensure a navigable channel depth of at least eight feet, allowing for safe passage of most recreational and small commercial vessels.
Community Cooperation is Key
While some beachgoers and boaters may find the presence of large machinery and restricted zones inconvenient, local authorities are reminding the public that these short-term disruptions ensure long-term access and safety.
“Dredging may look like a hassle, but it’s a critical part of keeping our harbor functioning,” said one city official. “We’re grateful for the Army Corps’ work and for everyone’s patience while the job gets done.”
Conclusion
The summer dredging project at New Buffalo Harbor is a testament to the planning, coordination, and labor that go into maintaining Michigan’s vital coastal infrastructure. With crews working long hours in challenging conditions, the goal is clear: ensure safe, accessible waterways for all who depend on them.
As the weather calms later in the week, the project is expected to wrap up in time for another busy boating weekend. Until then, boaters and beachgoers are urged to be mindful of their surroundings, heed the safety markers, and appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the harbor—and the summer fun—going strong.